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Flood Safety Tips

by
BROOKE GOLD HASSON
| Jan 21, 2014

After last week’s flooding in South Florida, People’s Trust wanted to bring you safety tips in the event you are faced with a flood in your area. What should you do in the event your area has been flooded? Take a look at how to respond during and after a flood.

Responding Appropriately During a Flood

Listen to local radio and television stations and a NOAA Weather Radio for possible flood warnings and reports of flooding in progress or other critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS).

Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.

When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there.

Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet.

If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water. Review our driving in a flood safety tips. Please note we are not advocating you should ever drive in a flood, but in the event you are or have to, we have prepared you with best practices from FEMA.

Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water.

When flooding is predicted, keep your vehicle parked in your garage or on the driveway away from low-lying areas and large drains.

Keep cell phones charged in the event that you lose power. They will be your resource to reach the outside world.

Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.

If you are in your home when a flood is occurring, continue to stay inside your home. Do not go "exploring" outside to see how bad it is.

Because standard homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover flooding, it’s important to have protection from the floods associated with hurricanes, tropical storms, heavy rains and other conditions that impact the U.S. We can help, call People’s Trust for a free, no-obligation Flood Insurance quote today at 1-866-972-1547.

Flood Recovery Tips

Parts of your home may be collapsed or damaged. Approach entrances carefully. See if porch roofs and overhangs have all their supports.

Watch out for wild animals, especially poisonous snakes that may have come into your home with the floodwater. Do not play in flood water, as wild animals can be lurking in the water.

If you smell natural or propane gas or hear a hissing noise, leave immediately and call the fire department.

If power lines are down outside your home, do not step in puddles or standing water.

Keep children and pets away from hazardous sites and floodwater.

Materials such as cleaning products, paint, batteries, contaminated fuel and damaged fuel containers are hazardous. Check with local authorities for assistance with disposal to avoid risk. During cleanup, wear protective clothing, including rubber gloves and rubber boots.

Make sure your food and water are safe. Discard items that have come in contact with floodwater, including canned goods, water bottles, plastic utensils and baby bottle nipples. When in doubt, throw it out! If you lost power for an extended period of time you may also need to throw out any food that has become spoiled. Don’t forget to turn off your icemaker if authorities have advised not to drink the tap water.

Contact your local or state public health department to see if your water supply might be contaminated. You may need to boil or treat it before use. Do not use water that could be contaminated to wash dishes, brush teeth, prepare food, wash hands, make ice or make baby formula!

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